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CHAPTER I
OPERATION CASTLE AND THE AIR TASK GROUP
Operation CASTLE, the fifth in the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
series of overseaa nuclear weapons tests, was conceived in April of 1952.
Originally the operational phase was scheduled for about 1 September
1953, but this date was later set back to January of 1954.
The tests
were conducted in the Marshall Islands, at Fniwetok and Bikini Atolls in
the AEC Pacific Proving Ground.
In May of 1953, the Joint Chiefs of Staff approved the revised
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CASTLE force requirements and directed the Chief of Staff, United States
Air Force (USAF), to support Joint Task Force SEVEN (JIF SEVEN) by providing an Air Task Group (7.4) composed of wits and detachments to conduct the Air Force's role, and allied functions, in the operation.
ILLUSTRATION 1, opposite page, shows the organizationof Joint Task Force
SEVEN,
The mission of this Air Task Group (ATG) was to: |
1. Provide, operate and support the aircraft necessary to collect and record data as specified by the scientific program,
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Operate adequate aircraft operations and maintain facilities,
3.
Provide intra-atoll and inter-island air transportation,
4.
Provide weather reconnaissance, analysis and forecasting
5.
Augment existing search and rescue activities,
6.
Augment logistical and administrative commmications
7.
Provide and operate aircraft control facilities at Enivetok.”
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